The Baltimore City Public School System announced late Monday afternoon, CEO Bonnie Copeland will step down effective July 1.
“I?m shocked,” said Baltimore State Del. Clarence Davis, a history professor at Morgan State University, when informed of Copeland?s resignation. “If she?s stepped down, it?s tragic. Maintaining a sense of stability is what the school system needs. It?s been one-step this way, two steps that way, one-step this way.”
Copeland issued a written statement:
“I have truly enjoyed serving the students and families of Baltimore City and having had the opportunity to work with the talented staff and Board of our school system. I take pride in knowing that we have made significant progress over the last several years. It is now time for a new leader to build on that success.”
Copeland was appointed interim CEO in July 2003 and was made CEO in November 2003. Student performance on both state and national assessments has increased in recent years as have high-school graduation rates, but not enough to please the Maryland State Department of Education, which made an unprecedented effort this spring to seize control of 11 Baltimore schools. That attempt was blocked with the help of the state legislature.
Mayor Martin O?Malley lavished praise on the former CEO, calling her a leader who should be credited for a record-breaking high-school graduation rate and dramatically improving test scores. “She instituted reforms ? like opening dozens of K-8 schools and smaller high schools and academies ? that will extend our elementary students? progress,” O?Malley said in a statement. “She made tough decisions to right-size the system?s administration and restore fiscal responsibility ? when people said it couldn?t be done. And she?s done it with grace and dignity.”
Davis said Copeland?s sudden departure comes at particularly difficult time.
“I?m sorry to see her go,” Davis added. “Whatever happened should have been worked out behind close doors. All these changes at the top, don?t help the ones at the bottom of the system ? the kids.”
